GVSU's own commencement website confirms Winter 2027 Commencement runs Friday, April 30 through Saturday, May 1, across three ceremony sessions, all at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids.
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What’s confirmed
GVSU’s own commencement website confirms Winter 2027 Commencement runs Friday, April 30 through Saturday, May 1, 2027, across three ceremony sessions — all at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, real dates pulled directly from the university’s official site.
Where the ceremonies happen
Van Andel Arena, at 130 W Fulton St in downtown Grand Rapids — not on GVSU’s Allendale campus, which lacks the venue capacity and hotel infrastructure for a ceremony this size.
Why three sessions
GVSU splits its eight colleges across a Friday evening session and two Saturday sessions, per the university’s own commencement schedule — which colleges appear in which session is announced closer to the date.
Where this fits with your hotel plan
If you’re still deciding where to stay, see where to stay for downtown Grand Rapids, or sold out, now what for Allendale and Holland.
Live availability near campus
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Frequently asked questions
What days does GVSU's 2027 Commencement cover?
Friday, April 30 (7 p.m. ceremony) through Saturday, May 1, 2027 (10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ceremonies), confirmed directly on GVSU's own commencement website.
Where is the ceremony held?
Van Andel Arena, 130 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 — not on GVSU's Allendale campus, which lacks the venue capacity and hotel infrastructure for a ceremony this size.
Why three ceremony sessions?
GVSU splits its eight colleges across the Friday evening and two Saturday sessions, per the university's own commencement schedule. Which colleges participate in each session is announced closer to the date.
Where does everyone stay for the weekend?
See [where to stay](/grand-valley-state/where-to-stay) for downtown Grand Rapids, or [sold out, now what](/grand-valley-state/sold-out-now-what) for Allendale and Holland.
How we verified this
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